Archived article: use the current test catalogue and the Locations page for up-to-date prices, availability and opening hours.
Preparation can affect some laboratory results. Always follow the instructions given for your specific test; the requirements below are general and may not apply to every patient.
Complete blood count, white-cell differential and ESR
- The archived laboratory guidance recommends morning collection before eating. Confirm whether fasting is necessary for your complete set of tests.
Urine testing
- Routine urinalysis and sediment: usually a fresh first-morning sample in a clean container.
- Urine culture: usually a midstream sample of first-morning urine in a sterile container after cleaning the area.
- Twenty-four-hour urine: collect exactly as instructed, record the total volume and bring the requested portion to the laboratory. Some tests may instead use a first-morning sample, so check the order.
Biochemistry tests
- Glucose is commonly collected in the morning after fasting when a fasting value has been ordered.
- A glucose profile follows the schedule provided by the treating clinician.
- Ask whether fasting is required when lipid and liver tests are combined with other tests.
Hormones, tumour markers and therapeutic drug monitoring
- Timing, food, coffee, medicines and supplements may matter. Confirm the instructions and do not stop treatment unless your clinician tells you to.
- Some reproductive hormones are collected on a specified day of the menstrual cycle; use the day on your referral or the instruction from your clinician.
- For PSA, tell the laboratory about recent prostate procedures or examination and confirm when the sample should be taken.
Microbiology samples
- Vaginal swab: avoid vaginal rinsing beforehand; collection may be performed by an obstetrician-gynaecologist.
- Throat swab: the original guidance recommends morning collection before eating or brushing your teeth.
- Nasal or ear swab: tell the laboratory about recently applied local medicines and confirm the required interval.
Receiving results
Results may be collected using the patient’s identifying details or personal code. Patients also receive secure credentials for online access.